Tong Sake House

Reviews

• Alice D.

  star star star star star 19 July 2026

  Hi, I'm Alice and today was my last day serving at Tong! I worked there around a year and a half and thought I'd offer some suggestions/recommendations for anyone interested in trying the restaurant out!
  
  When it comes to ambiance, Tong is a family-friendly, cozy restaurant. There are no T.Vs so it's a good space for co-workers, friends, and family to really have conversations and connect.
  
  We usually play soft pop music in the background and one of the perks of being a waitress there was being able to dj ;)
  
  Personally, I love the food at Tong so I definitely plan to go back even though I don't work there anymore.
  
  The Tonkatsu Ramen is their most popular dish and if you like spicy, I definitely recommend it (no extra charge). The Tong Crew Ramen is an "upgraded" version of the Tonkatsu Ramen (spicy) with bean sprouts, an extra slice of chasu, and half an egg.
  
  My personal favorite is the SD ( sesame dressing) Ramen which has no broth but instead has sesame dressing drizzled over chewy noodles. Make sure to stir the sauce in really well to coat the noodles evenly! I would put chili powder on mine to give it an extra kick of spice.
  
  If you're trying sake, the Kikisui is the go-to which is a medium-dry,filtered sake. The hot sake or yuzu shwa (citrus flavored, you can barley taste the alcohol!) is a more budget-friendly option! My personal favorite is the Strawberry Nigiri which tastes like strawberry jam :P
  
  Definitely try tostadas and the wings and kale. Fries fans will get a huge kick out of the KB fries which are crispy-ass fries topped with fried chicken, bulgogi (marinated Korean beef), sriracha, Japanese mayo, and brown sauce (I never remembered the name lol).
  
  My boyfriend always gets the oyster jalapeños udon and spicy tuna rolls. The Bulgogi and the Pan Roasted chicken bowl are famous favorites among the regulars. Mind you, we no longer serve the udon sauté and bulgogi calamari.
  
  I've worked at five different restaurants and this is the first time I'm writing a review (obviously not for self-serving purposes cause I don't work there anymore) just because of how much I love the culture and food at Tong. If you're looking for good food in a relaxing space, try it out!!!

• Chris J.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 16 July 2026

  9/18/19 Dinner:
  
  Ramen broth here tastes like salty bath water. No depth to it. The noodles were sooooo mushy. Didn't finish my bowl and the waiter knew not to bother asking if I wanted it to go. Hands down the worst ramen I've had in San Diego.
  The five star reviews are from people that never had authentic real Japanese ramen.

• Edward S.

  star star star star star_border 10 July 2026

  Frist,
  I want say service was pleasant.
  Maybe for the fact that I came at 5pm  just as they open. I saw no other customers for an hour.  
  Second.
  This feels more like a pub  than an restaurant.
  I tried their  fries which were above average.
  Also fries are not Asian , almost like a Asian version of carne asada fries.
  If you looking to just get your fix for Asian food this place is fine.
  
  I can't speak for the Ramon since  I didn't try any, since it was 95 degree's in an early September .
  The menu is quite simple. In a positive thought it make decisions easier.

• Audrey P.

  star star star star star 9 July 2026

  This is one of the best places to eat in Poway. Always fresh and tasty.  We got a set of kale chips for the table. I ordered the Ahi poke bowl which was delicious.  My friends had the Tempura Udon, Bulgogi bowl, and the team ramen. Everyone was very happy with their meals.

• Peter L.

  star star star star_border star_border 7 July 2026

  This is for weekday lunch review only. Again keep in mind I m from Bay Area & just returned from NYC, so my palates for Japanese food have been spoiled.
  
  Parking: small plaza with multiple restaurants & grocery stores so it can be challenging.
  Ambiance: adequate casual dining setting
  Bathroom: just one, but clean
  
  Food: it was okay
  Takoyaki: ok, nothing to write home about
  Ikageso karaage salad: Interesting contrast of crunchy fried squid on a bed of salad with the usual Japanese salad dressing, it was just ok but unique nonetheless
  Tonkotsu ramen: it was ok, not as rich or salty as other places but has adequate pork flavor. Pork slices were ok but I wish it can be a little more fatty.
  Unagi don: disappointed, when u have a ton of bonito flakes covering the unagi something is wrong. The texture & flavor reminded of canned fish, can they at least make it warm? Again perhaps I was spoiled by my hitsumabushi experiences in Nagoya.
  Sushi & rolls? We weren't offer any sushi or roll menu, perhaps it's only available for dinner. We didn't see any sushi chef working at all.
  
  Summary: again as a spoiled eater from a Bay Area I have sympathy for SD peeps looking for good Asian food.  Tong is not bad but I hope its dinner items are better.